Afghanistan attack leaves dozens dead

Afghan president Ashraf Ghani condemned the massacre in a remote area in Sar-e Pul province

Afghanistan's president Ashraf Ghani condemned the attack, which took place in a remote area in Sar-e Pul province. Credit: AFP

Dozens of civilians have been killed in an attack by insurgents in northern Afghanistan, according to officials.

On Sunday, Afghan president Ashraf Ghani condemned the attack, which took place a security outpost in Sar-e Pul province, in a remote area in the north of the country.

Ghani said in a statement: "Criminal terrorists have once again killed civilians, women and children in Sayad district of Sar-e Pul province, adding to their crimes.

"This barbaric act of them is deemed a direct violation of human rights and a war crime."

The governor of Sar-e Pul, Mohammad Zaher Wahdat, said that as many as 30 to 40 people were "brutally shot and killed" after attackers captured Mirzawalang, a predominantly Shiite village.

Mr Wahdat said that 12 insurgents and seven Afghan troops were killed during the 48-hour battle.

It is not clear who the insurgents are. The village is in a part of the country where ISIL fighters and the Taliban have been present.

The Taliban claimed in a statement it had captured Mirzawalang but said reports of civilian casualties were false.

The insurgent group has carried out a number of deadly attacks in recent days as fighting has intensified across Afghanistan.